Cast Members are Showing Off New EARidescent Nametags for the 50th Anniversary

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Via Disney Destinations

One of the best parts of any celebration is dressing for the occasion, and cast members at Walt Disney World Resort are ready to celebrate the resort’s 50th anniversary in style with their favorite accessory — new EARidescent Disney nametags!

With “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” only days away, cast members are coming together virtually and in person to officially put on their spectacular new 50th-themed nametags featuring EARidescent and gold details and the 50th anniversary logo.

Whether they’ve been here for 50 years or one day, the tradition of wearing a Disney nametag is one that every cast member keeps close to their heart (literally!), and there’s no better way to commemorate the important role each of us plays in bringing the magic of Disney to life for our guests and fellow cast members.

Check out how just a few of our Walt Disney World cast members are celebrating:

As the clock struck midnight earlier today, our third-shift cast members became the first to put on their 50th nametags!

Cast members working across Walt Disney World and at home share this historic moment together

Of course, no look is complete without a smile, and our cast members are grinning from ear to ear!

Cast members are wearing their new 50th nametags with pride, knowing they are part of this special moment in history and the heart of our celebration

Stay tuned for all of the latest news about the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

Tune-In This Friday To “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” on ABC

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via DisneyDestinations

Get ready for a special unlike anything you’ve ever seen from Disney Parks! This Friday “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” airs on ABC and you won’t want to miss it. The primetime special takes viewers on a fascinating journey of Walt Disney World Resort from its origins to its development over time to the impact the Resort has had on pop culture to a special look into the future of the Resort. This riveting story is told through incredible interviews with celebrities, athletes, Disney Imagineers, and Disney executives and cast members past and present. We asked the interviewees to describe Walt Disney World in one word; check out what they had to say:

Hosted by Disney Legend and moderator of ABC’s “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg, the two-hour program will also feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by the renowned Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. We are excited to share a behind the scenes look at the making of these iconic performances:

This special is produced by ABC News and Disney Parks. Tune in this Friday October 1 at 8/7c on ABC, stream on Hulu starting October 2, or watch on Disney+ starting October 8.

New EARidescent Southwest Airlines Aircraft Celebrates 50-Year Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via DisneyDestinations

We have some exciting – you might say lofty – news to share. “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the past, present and future of Walt Disney World Resort on its 50thanniversary, is taking to the skies! 

This afternoon, before media and special guests in Houston, Southwest Airlines unveiled a very special 737-700 — dramatically pixie-dusted, nose to tail, in colorful graphics commemorating the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort. Fanciful Disney accents also brighten the cabin space – down to the pulldown shades. Awesome, isn’t it?  

Today’s surprise reveal at Hobby Airport filled the hangar with the joyful sounds of music and included Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in the EARidescent fashions they’ll wear throughout the 18-month celebration in Florida, beginning Oct. 1. Southwest also celebrates 50 years of flying in 2021, so this special aircraft is a double scoop of festive for two great brands. 

To underscore the collaboration, the decorated plane flew its maiden flight to Orlando International Airport, where the arrival experience has been transformed with fantastical Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration décor.

So now “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” extends to the land AND the sky.  Let the celebration begin, and congrats to Southwest Airlines for 50 years.

Orlando International Airport Is Ready for The 50th Anniversary Celebration

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

If your Disney 50th anniversary plans include flying in to Orlando International Airport (MCO), you’ll get to start celebrating the moment you land in Florida!

That’s because the airport has had a magical makeover, just in time for the 50th anniversary celebration of the opening of Walt Disney World!

The passenger arrival experience will be more magical than ever! When Guests arrive at Florida’s busiest airport, they will immediately be introduced to the Magic.

What’s in store for air travelers at Orlando International?

A complete art installation featuring the Fab 50 Character Collection has taken over the terminal train stations at the airport, and just outside the Magic of Disney Store in the East Hall, there are projections of EARidescent light patterns along the walkways and thoroughfares of that part of the airport.

Also at this location, Guests will walk past a 36-foot long video screen showcasing the shimmering EARidescence of the four parks “Beacons of Magic.” It is breathtaking!

A photo opportunity will be available to arriving Guests in the form of a golden teacup, nodding to the Mad Tea Party attraction at Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

The magically fun additions at the airport will remain in place for several months, so even if you can’t make it to the parks in October, you’ll still have the chance to be immersed in the Magic when you arrive!

The celebration continues as Guests arrive at their Disney World Resort hotels, as special surprises are planned for Guests who stay on property, beginning the first week of October. There will be special character appearances, and each one will be dressed in his or her EARidescent best.

Guests of Disney World Resort hotels will also be able to take advantage of the opportunity to enter selected parks early on certain days during the celebration.

There will literally be Magic around every corner at Walt Disney World as Guests arrive and join the World’s Most Magical Celebration!

California Grill Has A Limited-Edition Anniversary Menu

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” (aka Disney World’s 50th anniversary), the California Grill is bringing in a new menu for a special dining experience! The favorites recommended on the Disney Parks Blog are the California Grill Sushi Classics Trio, the House-Made Artisanal-Style Duck á la Orange Pizza, and The Oak-Fired Filet of Beef. The first meal listed in those three favorites includes a Blue Crab California Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Spicy Kazan Roll. The Fireball Sauce (featuring bay scallops, avocado, and mango) tops off the trio!

The next highlight, the House-Made Artisanal-Style Duck á la Orange Pizza, has duck prosciutto and confit, orange-black mission fig jam, pickled shallots, aged blue cheese, and arugula. It’s actually an homage to the classic duck dish from Top of the World, the original restaurant that preceded the California Grill in the ’70’s.

The Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with Black Truffle-Brown Butter Château Potatoes, Golden Raisins Vinaigrette, Cauliflower, and Black Garlic Butter reportedly “has layers of incredible flavors” that would make for an unforgettable dinner. The roasted tomato butter is a cherry on top, but the Château Potatoes also stand out (understandable, since they come wearing “freshly shaved” black winter truffles).

For “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, this Grill is also serving a new dessert! The EARidescent Grand Marnier Soufflé comes with macerated Florida citrus and Creamsicle Ice Cream. We think those lavender sugar doughnuts on the menu (shown below) will also be worth a try, and there’s several other dessert menu items that sound magical! Having a dessert party to celebrate Disney’s anniversary sounds like the perfect way to commemorate the moment.

This limited-time menu will be available on October 3rd, but you can make reservations as early as September 23rd, and it’s all part of Disney’s big 50th anniversary festivities (which start on October 1st)!